SA vs IND, 1st T20I: Twitter Erupts As All-Round India Rout Hosts To Take The Lead

High-flying India defeated South Africa by 28 runs in the first T20 International to go one nil up in the three-match series. Shikhar Dhawan’s quickfire knock helped India post 203 before Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s five-wicket haul saw the Proteas restrict to 175 for 9.

Chasing a daunting 204, the Proteas were off to a decent start. JJ Smuts and Reeza Hendricks added 29 runs off just 16 balls before Bhuvneshwar Kumar put India on top. The pacer first dismissed Smuts and then skipper JP Duminy to leave the hosts reeling at 38 for 2. By the end of the powerplay, the Proteas were 41 for 2.

The hosts then received a body blow when Hardik Pandya dismissed the dangerous David Miller for just 9. Reeza Hendricks and Farhaan Behardien steadied the ship but could not provide the momentum needed for the chase. By the time the tenth over ended, the hosts were 79 for 3. They reached the 100-run mark in the 12th over.

Hendricks and Behardien soon brought up the fifty-run stand while the former compiled his maiden T20I fifty off 37 balls. However, just when it looked the Proteas are set for a fight, Yuzvendra Chahal dismissed Behardien on the last ball of the 15th over to end the 81-run stand.??The equation was finally down to 75 off the last 5 overs.

Their slim hopes of winning the game soon ended when Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismissed Hendricks for 70. At that stage, the hosts needed 50 off 17 balls.?? Bhuvneshwar Kumar then all but sealed the game by dismissing Klaasen and Chris Morris off successive deliveries to leave the Proteas reeling at 158 for 7. He finished the game with stunning figures of 5 for 24. The hosts eventually ended on 175 for 9.

Earlier in the day, Shikhar Dhawan’s whirlwind knock of 72 helped India post a mammoth 203 for 5 in the allotted 20 overs. India were off to a blistering start, with Rohit Sharma slamming 2 sixes and a four in the first over. However, the right-handed batsman did not last long and was out for 21.

Suresh Raina was promoted at number three but he failed to grab the opportunity. The comeback man failed to get going and scored just 15. Dhawan and Virat Kohli then took the innings forward as runs came at a healthy rate. By the time the powerplay ended, India were 78 for 2, their highest score in the powerplay.

Both the Delhi teammates were going great guns before Tabraiz Shamsi?? applied the brakes. The leg-spinner dismissed Kohli for 26 to end the 59-run stand. Kohli’s departure, however, did not affect Dhawan as he completed his fifty off 27 balls. Dhawan was finally dismissed by Andile Phehlukwayo in the 15th over. But by then, he had done the damage by scoring 72 off just 39.

India’s middle-order then once again failed to finish the innings strongly. The visitors collected only 46 runs off the last 5 overs despite having six wickets in the hand.

Here is how Twitter reacted to the match:

Well begun is half done. Great start to the T20 series. Great striking from @<!---->S<!---->D<!---->h<!---->a<!---->w<!---->a<!---->n<!---->2<!---->5 and brilliant bowling by the trickster @<!---->B<!---->h<!---->u<!---->v<!---->i<!---->O<!---->f<!---->f<!---->i<!---->c<!---->i<!---->a<!---->l . Great victory #<!---->S<!---->A<!---->v<!---->s<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->T<!---->x<!---->f<!---->e<!---->A<!---->E<!---->U<!---->j<!---->F<!---->O

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

Congratulations India on another clinical victory. Brilliant innings from Shikhar and another wonderful spell from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a five wicket haul. #<!---->S<!---->A<!---->v<!---->s<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

India still need a power finisher. If Pandya is that person, he is too low at 7

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

Such a pleasure to watch Bhuvi across formats – the same ice cool but one sharp mind that adapts and switches his craft.#<!---->S<!---->A<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— Gaurav Sethi (@BoredCricket) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

I wish I was half as good as Bhuvi – Holding. #<!---->S<!---->A<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->Q<!---->V<!---->i<!---->P<!---->7<!---->6<!---->7<!---->m<!---->C<!---->q

— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

Bhuvi is Indian version of Glenn Mcgrath!
After 10 years this tweet will get 10000 RTs!#<!---->M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->k<!---->M<!---->y<!---->W<!---->o<!---->r<!---->d<!---->s

— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) M<!---->a<!---->y<!----> <!---->9<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->5

Bhuvneshwar Kumar first Indian paceman to claim a five wicket haul in T20Is#<!---->S<!---->A<!---->v<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

Fifer and a team Hattrick. Stunning by Bhuvi. Amazing by team India. #<!---->S<!---->A<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— cricBC (@cricBC) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

Bhuvneshwar Kumar becomes the first Indian pacer to take atleast a five-wicket haul in all three formats of international cricket.#<!---->S<!---->A<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

At this rate, the South African Team needs to soon invite the Sri Lankan team for a bilateral series and regain their confidence. #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->s<!---->S<!---->A

— Rashi (@rashi_kakkar) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

What about franchises who bought Unadkat & Pandey for 12 odd crores … ??? #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->s<!---->S<!---->A #<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L<!---->A<!---->u<!---->c<!---->t<!---->i<!---->o<!---->n<!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8 #<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L<!---->1<!---->1

— Optimus (@prime_lfc) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

From BEKARdien to BETTERdien, this match has been quite a rollercoaster for Behardien#<!---->S<!---->A<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->S<!---->A

— urstrulyKajal?? (@BanarasiBasanti) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

South Africa's T20 side looks like a group of random cricketers instead of a team that can inflict fear in the opposition camp. #<!---->S<!---->A<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— Shubh Aggarwal (@shubh_chintak) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

Miller aur Duminy out ho gaye.
Required run rate 12 par pahunch gayi.
Aur abb Chahal bowling karne aa gaya.

Bhagwan Mogambo ka hi Sahara hai bas inko#<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->S<!---->A

— sunil the cricketer (@1sInto2s) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

https://twitter.com/anand63/status/965235450511351808?

What a catch, Raina. Jadhav would've got nowhere close to it. #<!---->S<!---->A<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— Devdutt (@ddkshirsagar) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

Never seen Bhuvi bowl that before, great skill! Wow

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

203/5 – This is India's highest total against South Africa in T20Is. Their previous highest was 199/5 at Dharamsala in 2015. #<!---->S<!---->A<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

Eat
Sleep
Jadhav doesn't play well, Iyer ko khilao yaar

Iyer doesn't play well, kyu liya ise.. Pandey ko lena chahiye tha

Pandey also fails, Jadhav hi thik khelta tha!!

Repeat.#<!---->S<!---->A<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— Audy N. (@audurn) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

Manish Pandey is just a waste. Worst shot selection. Too lazy to take double and swings bat to hit the air. #<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d<!---->v<!---->S<!---->a #<!---->S<!---->a<!---->v<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d

— Priyank Gupta (@PriyankIND) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

@<!---->m<!---->s<!---->d<!---->h<!---->o<!---->n<!---->i by default seems to be looking for a single these days, with a boundary being an option only if the ball is a really bad one. Used to be the other way round not so long ago. #<!---->S<!---->A<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— Quo Vadimus (@Chetlur) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

South africa unable to stop the runs. Only @<!---->m<!---->s<!---->d<!---->h<!---->o<!---->n<!---->i can stop the scoring rate by the look of things. #<!---->S<!---->A<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— Ripson Lobo (@Ripsylobo12) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

Only Dhoni can stop us from scoring 200 now. ? #<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d<!---->v<!---->s<!---->S<!---->A

— timtim (@timtim_m) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

Virat Kohli ,despite all the batting heroics,when coming to availing DRS,is as good as Tushar Kapoor on the box office #<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d<!---->v<!---->s<!---->S<!---->A #<!---->S<!---->A<!---->v<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d #<!---->S<!---->A<!---->v<!---->s<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d #<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d<!---->v<!---->S<!---->A

— Apoorv Sharma (@IamApoorvSharma) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

https://twitter.com/DesiAuthor/status/965212178730008577?

Only 3 things are constant in life-
1. Death 2. Taxes and 3. Kohlis form.. #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->s<!---->S<!---->A #<!---->K<!---->o<!---->h<!---->l<!---->i #<!---->S<!---->A<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D

— Nikhil Vazirani (@nikhil_vaz) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

Rohit Sharma to SA bowlers. p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->L<!---->R<!---->Q<!---->g<!---->2<!---->A<!---->f<!---->E<!---->a<!---->e

— Kuptaan ?? (@Kuptaan) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

Ek debutante ne Rohit Sharma ko out kar Dala. This is Rohit's way of encouraging a newbie. #<!---->L<!---->e<!---->g<!---->e<!---->n<!---->d

— Keh Ke Peheno (@coolfunnytshirt) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

Rohit Sharma and hitting six never ending love story almost hits six every match…

— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8